Dave Allen targets Filip Hrgovic upset in Doncaster return

Dave Allen says he has never been in better physical condition as he prepares to face Filip Hrgovic in Doncaster on Saturday night.

The Doncaster heavyweight, known as the White Rhino, sat down with Steve Bunce on BBC Radio 5 Live's boxing podcast to discuss the biggest assignment of his career. Allen last fought in a brutal loss to Arslanbek Makhmudov, a defeat that forced him to reassess his approach to training and nutrition. "I'm in better shape than I've ever been," Allen said on the show, per the BBC. He walked through what a win over the Croatian contender would mean for his standing in the heavyweight division.

Allen's camp with Jamie Moore ahead of Hrgovic clash

Trainer Jamie Moore also appeared on the programme to outline the tactical adjustments Allen has made in camp. Moore has worked to tighten Allen's defence and improve his gas tank after the Makhmudov stoppage exposed holes in his durability. Allen acknowledged the scale of the challenge Hrgovic presents but insisted he belongs in the ring with top-tier heavyweights.

Hrgovic enters as the heavy favourite. The former Olympic bronze medallist has won 17 of his 18 professional fights and holds recent victories over Zhilei Zhang and Demsey McKean. Allen has lost four of his last seven bouts and is widely seen as a live underdog at best.

The fight takes place Saturday night at the Doncaster Dome on a card promoted by Matchroom Boxing. First bell is scheduled for approximately 10pm UK time.

Source: bbc.co.uk